Tag Archive: literary-fiction


Review: Fear of Flying by Erica Jong

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
August 7, 2025

Fear of FlyingFear of Flying by Erica Jong
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I read this as a newlywed. However, I don’t recall much of it. Maybe I read a bit and gave up? I felt that way as I read it this time, but I kept listening. Hope Davis (Narrator) gave the book more life than my eyes might have enjoyed. Still, it felt the author was full of woes that the rest of us didn’t have the choice to rise to.

This just didn’t bring the excitement it seemed to project. The erotica was not. Which is okay. It was considered progressive back in the day, but with shows like Game of Thrones and The Boys, it is naive.

Still, many of the issues presented for women remain, if not more repressed than in the 1970s. And the issues women, their mothers, and daughters face persist. So for these issues, it is worth the read.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
August 4, 2025

CatalinaCatalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another book I only sort of liked. Maybe I’m not the target audience? I’m not a young person pursuing college or flirting or in need of convincing against the deportation of dreamers or anyone working hard and trying to earn their right to be citizens and paying taxes as they go.

Still, the author managed to get inside the head of this young woman and provided the reader with valuable insights into another life. I admired that Karla Corneho Villavicencio narrated her book.

It was worth the read. I was happy it was available on Libby.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: I’ll Be Right Here: A Novel by Amy Bloom

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
August 1, 2025

I'll Be Right Here: A NovelI’ll Be Right Here: A Novel by Amy Bloom
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I didn’t finish this book. I found it confusing and dry. I didn’t feel connected to the characters and especially when it started hopping in time.

Mozhan Navabi (Narrator), didn’t help make me feel I knew who’s point of view I was listening to.

I’m sorry. I really wanted to like this book. But don’t take my word for it. The comments show quite a few people loved it. I was glad I could pick this up on Libby.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: The Lightning Stenography Device by M.F. Sullivan

Filed under: Kindle, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
July 14, 2025

The Lightning Stenography DeviceThe Lightning Stenography Device by M.F. Sullivan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, that was a trip. And if it wasn’t interesting in some places, making me think about some ideas expressed, I’d say it was hours I’d never get back.

I want to thank NetGalley for letting me read this one. It was worth the thoughts.

The idea of a machine that could write for you without spell check and fumbling fingers seemed unique, until I realized that the paralyzed people already had that kind of thinking machine.

The Lightning Stenography Device, shortens to LSD. Drug use is implied often. And that kind of lucid writing, as if from an impaired writer, rambles forth. Many deep philosophical views are turned into sagas of gods and angst.

Mostly, this felt like an anthology of short stories tied loosely together. Just not my kind of book.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
June 20, 2025

My Name Is Emilia del ValleMy Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

That’s different! Coral Peña and Johnathan McClain, narrators, help make this story feel real. I’m not so sure parts, if not all, are autobiographical for the author, Isabel Allende, even if it seems impossible.

One of my favorite parts of reading fiction is taking voyages to places I’ve never been and living the point of view I don’t inhabit. This book did both for me.

The blurb on Goodreads or Amazon will give you a hint about what to expect, but it would be too lengthy to copy and paste here. Still, maybe you don’t need to, trust me, this is a fun adventure. And guess what? Libby has it to lend! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — Leave a comment
May 22, 2025

Station ElevenStation Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I want to thank my friend, Yvensong, and her book club for recommending this book. It was a fun adventure. And it is an adventure. It is nearly too hard to get a good night’s sleep after reading some chapters of this book. Well, I listened to Kirsten Potter, narrator. She did an excellent job. BUT I had times that I got confused. Whose point of view? What part of the history was this part of the story? Happened a lot at first. I think having the physical book would have helped me look it up at the moment.

I love the musical point of view and the performance elements. Yes, we will need to do more than survive if we end up in a dystopian post-apocalyptic world.

I will try to listen to the book again soon, as I will know who is who now. I do have the Audible version, so I can listen when I choose. Give it a try. You might like it, too.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 5 Comments
October 10, 2024

A Man Called OveA Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Man Called Otto is the movie with Tom Hanks. I hope you got to watch it. As grumpy as the main character, I must admit that this man warms your heart. I had watched the movie and then learned the book it was based on. There was the Audible available for one credit, and now it’s mine to read whenever I want. It is bittersweet and often funny but with wonderful truths woven right in.

J.K. Simmons does the narration, which sounds like Tom Hanks. Same sourpuss grumpiness as in the movie.

I enjoyed the book so much that I needed more, so I looked up the movie, and I had to watch it. I think it was on Netflix.

I highly recommend both ways to enjoy the story.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
October 8, 2024

Sea of TranquilitySea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will re-read this one in the future. As with many time-travel audiobooks, I found myself confused—until I didn’t. There came a time when it all started gelling.

As a writer, I was stunned by the most boring first chapter ever. I get it. I know now why the author did it this way, but wow, I nearly quit reading/listening from the very beginning. What drew me on? The blurb of what was supposed to happen in this book. There was to be time travel and time to be on the moon. Stick it out as it all circles back and makes sense.

Emily St. John Mandel’s book is brought to life by a host of narrators. Because of these people, I think the audiobook is the way to read it: John Lee, Dylan Moore, Arthur Morey, and Kirsten Potter.

It’s interesting, if nothing else. And, like all time-travel books, it makes you think.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
August 22, 2024

The Lying Life of AdultsThe Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes, I finish a Libby book with nothing to read next, and Libby suggested this. I thought, ‘Oooh, a little Italian to read. Not a lot, but it is situated in Italy, so the characters sometimes throw out a few words or cities that make me feel like I am traveling.

And to seal the deal, Marisa Tomei narrated. I felt I couldn’t go wrong.

I was wrong. I’ve been around Italian families and seen the passion of their discussions. Not arguments, disputes of passion. It was uncomfortable to be around, for me. I have never enjoyed conflict of any kind. And I have never seen a mind change during these extreme philosophical dilemmas.

Add in a preteen, and it blows up. Her hormones and anger set fire to the pages. Maybe when I was a raging teen, I would have liked it better. But this was too much. I saved it for my bedtime. Big mistake. I’d be angry with the kid, her parents, aunt, and friends as I drifted into slumberland unprepared.

Marisa Tomei put all the fire required for this reading into every beat of each sentence. For her part, I raised the rating from two to three stars.

Look, all the ratings go from five stars to zero. So, I think everyone comes into the book with their circumstances and upbringing, which can color how we perceive books and everything else in life. So give it a try and see if it’s for you.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Comment

Review: The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 4 Comments
August 15, 2024

The Covenant of WaterThe Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Can I give this book 20 stars? This was amazing! So many levels and people and places and stories to immerse in!

Abraham Verghese (Author/Narrator) is breathtaking. His writing, knowledge, and ability to voice all the characters so believably from an Indian accent to a Scottish accent, and for a man, his women were varied and respectable, all just astounded me.

I think I saw this recommended on a television show. I was able to pick it up on Libby. I’m so glad I did. But I loved this huge book so much that even though it took me days to read (listen to), I felt at a loss to bid my new friends goodbye. This goes on my wishlist for paperback, Kindle, and Audible versions.

It is a hefty book. But if you plug away at it, you will have lived through several generations and lands. How many books give you that kind of experience?

Please, if you get the chance, read or listen to this one. I doubt you will regret it.

View all my reviews

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Comment
Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Hunza

Travel,Tourism, precious story

IsabellaJoshua

DISCOVER A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

A Flower in the Field of Life

Faith Disability Lifestyle

"VERO'S VERBIAGE & VISUALS"

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth

Blissfulbritt

Histopedia

story telling from history

KaustubhaReflections

Where ancient wisdom meets modern technology. Stories that illuminate the wonders of science, culture, and life — crafted with human creativity and a touch of AI magic.

Roads Lesser Traveled

Life is just down the road lesser traveled....

Enlarge my heart

In the Quiet Space of a Benedictine Heart: Seeking God in Every Moment

A.M. Barnich

My Author Page

TheEnlightenedMind622

Open Your Mind

leviticalscript.code.blog

Welcome to the High Priest media

Daily Topics Hub

Scroll Less, Know More

Trim Transformation Trail

Barcelona / j re crivello// Escritor y Editor / Fundador de Masticadores

musicsoundwizard.com